Suitability of cellulases from fungal endophytes for production of 'greener' biofuels

Abstract of Project :

An ecological group of fungi known as the endophytes live inside plant tissues without producing any apparent symptoms of their presence. The biosynthetic ability of endophytes is extraordinary as they produce molecules of unprecedented architecture with potential bioactivities. It has been recently recognized that they produce different types of enzymes of industrial importance. The objective of this project is to study the endophytes with cellulolytic ability for their enzymatic potential to degrade plant wastes. It will further assess the feasibility of using endophytic cellulase enzymes for ultimately converting plant waste into ethanol.